(Source: LinkedIn)
Minor edits were
made to correct spelling and grammatical errors. Some recommendations were moved to be under the
most appropriate position.
“I
worked with Jim who was hired as a consultant to assist us with some issues we
had encountered trying to communicate with a SCSI-based storage array with some
newly designed hardware. Jim has
excellent knowledge of the SCSI protocol. His experience in storage systems allowed us
to debug various issues when we experienced support issues from the storage
system vendor. It was a pleasure working
with Jim; his prompt and insightful responses saved a lot of time during our
system debugging. I would gladly work
with him again in the future." July 11, 2011
Brett
Matthews,
Staff Design Engineer at Xilinx (client)
“I
have worked with Jim on several projects over the last five years at NetApp and
PMC-Sierra. His depth of knowledge of embedded and storage systems is excellent
and his ability to see architectural challenges ahead of time helped guide
product scope. Personally, Jim brings a
unique view to development and engineering. His 30+ years of doing everything from
detailed product architecture to running his own business has given him great
insight. I look forward to working with Jim in the future.” June
7, 2011
Ben
Manuto,
Director of Software Development, PMC-Sierra (colleague and manager)
“Jim has a superb knowledge of the SCSI
protocol at implementation level. His expertise allowed him to deliver tangible
results in a short period of time. Excellent capacity to assess requirements,
very professional attitude and excellent teamwork.” June 12, 2011
Top
qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Carlos
Ollé (client)
Storage Architect /
Designer
“I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Apeiron.
He was responsible for developing the core driver software and helped architect
the software / hardware structure for our product with our CTO. He has a number of years of storage experience which was invaluable
in making decisions about the trade-offs between software and hardware. His
experience with past drive technologies was extremely helpful when considering
development alternatives. He also has a wonderful can-do attitude and works
without direction. Once he has a rough definition of what is needed he
independently works whatever hours are needed to get a working prototype. He is
a hands-on engineer who writes software but is comfortable working directly on
hardware as needed to test his code. From his prototypes
the team was able to optimize the final architecture using a working model. He
works hard to make sure his code was bug free and working upon delivery and was
critical to system bring-up efforts with our actual systems. His code was
always written in a way that facilitated our system debug. He was never in the
critical path for our development. His documentation is always complete and his
code is commented clearly - unusual for most developers. Jim is also a quick
study when working on new operating systems and was able to
develop driver versions for Centos, Suse, and Ubuntu when he was asked to. He
is an inquisitive, thoughtful engineer who likes to see his work used in actual
products. I would highly recommend him for driver development and working on
software stacks relating to storage, particularly NVMe. Feel free to reach out
if you have questions.”
September 27, 2017
Lee
Harrison, CEO (manager)
“Bottom
line, I’ve never worked with a more talented SW developer throughout my 35 or
so years in technology. Very grateful to
have had the opportunity.”
April 2, 2017
Bob
Hansen, Vice
President of Solutions Architecture (colleague)
“Jim
is in charge of the driver development for Apeiron’s
NVMe storage products. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to storage, NVMe in particular, and writing high performance software in
general. The main focus has been on the Linux driver
and Jim architected his driver so that it is easy to port to other platforms
such as VMware ESXi and Windows Server. He is also
interested in exploring the next generation technologies and upcoming products
and helping the company adopt such technologies. I would enjoy working with Jim
again in the future..” March
22, 2017
Dragos
Harabor, Director of
Storage Software at Apeiron Data Systems (colleague)
“I
worked with Jim for approximately two years at NetApp. During that time he demonstrated superior technical leadership and a
quick wit. Jim was always fun to talk
to, and not just on technical topics, and hence I was sorry to see him leave
for other opportunities.” June 7, 2011
Radek
Aster,
Sr. Software Engineer, NetApp (colleague)
“Jim
has great experience in the storage industry. I worked with Jim at NetApp where he led the
team in architecture and design. He
always provided useful insight to our challenges and suggested pertinent
solutions. Jim had a unique perspective,
having built and sold a product from the ground up that helped round out the
team. Jim is easy to get along with and
I enjoyed working with him.” June 7, 2011
Todd
Mills,
Senior Software Engineer, NetApp (colleague)
“Jim
is a highly experienced storage professional with years of industry experience.
In his position at NetApp reporting to
me, Jim was responsible for several different from-scratch storage subsystem
development efforts in which he provided technical direction, directed the work
of other members of the engineering team, and designed and wrote code of his
own as well. Jim knows the storage
"universe" very well and can be counted on to have relevant knowledge
and experience as a consultant to any project in that space.” June
6, 2011
Jon
Buck,
Senior Manager, NetApp (colleague and manager)
“Jim
is a talented and creative Storage Software architect, engineer, and
entrepreneur who knows storage inside and out.” June
7, 2011
Kurt
Chan,
Director Engineering, NetApp (colleague)
“Jim understands system design from bottom to
top and is capable of implementing systems from scratch. His experience and
knowledge replaces organizational fear with organizational confidence that
product goals are readily achievable.” June 14, 2011
Bob
Clark,
Eng. Manager, Hardware Architect, NetApp (colleague)
“Jim's many years of experience in the storage
industry have given him an exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge. That,
combined with his system level thinking, attention to detail and business
acumen makes him an outstanding contributor in both technical and managerial
positions.” June 15, 2011
Bob
Hansen,
Technical Director, Storage, NetApp (colleague)
“Jim is a very capable technical consultant and has been
a terrific asset in certain patent and technical litigation matters.” April 23, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Jerry Klein
hired Jim as a Technical consultant in 2006, and hired Jim more than once
“Jim is a spectacular
technologist who is fully capable of new and inventive approaches to very
difficult problems. He is extremely dedicated to his projects and is fully
capable of functioning as a hands-on manager as well as a principal technical
project leader. His business acumen enables him to stay focused on the key
issues of any convoluted situation and enables him to also function well as a
product development engineering executive.” April
23, 2008
Jorge Noa,
Principal Consultant, Managing Director, Noa Consulting Services (Noaco)
worked with Jim at TraxRx Corporation
Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a detail-oriented systems
engineer who was able to adapt to a new environment and become productive
quickly. Jim is very knowledgeable about embedded systems and, specifically,
storage subsystems. He's easy to work with and is trustworthy.” May
27, 2008
Top
qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Ben Manuto
hired Jim as a Software Development Consultant in 2006
“Jim has successfully established two
companies. At Kolinar, he both implemented and coded software products designed
to run under VM/370. At Ark Jim mostly coded from scratch a PC operating system
and applications which permitted all sorts of disk performance and reliability
improvements. Kolinar was sold to another company and the software Jim
developed at Ark was sold to a 3rd party. Jim had to leave Ark to support the
Ark product. After over 30 years developing and fixing software, I can truly
say that Jim is the most insightful and intelligent programmer I have ever
met.” April 24, 2008
Bill Ehrman,
Systems Engineer, Amdahl
worked directly with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
LSI Logic
Storage Systems / Engenio
“Jim is an extremely
intelligent person and was able to do superhuman coding efforts in short time.
IMHO, 5% of firmware developers create 70% of the work and Jim is one of those
guys. Jim is also one that has long term vision and understands the market
well.” April 23, 2008
Dave Mooney,
VP Sales, Engenio Information Technologies
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a brilliant technologist. He has a
very broad technology understanding, ability to think out of the box, and has
an amazing ability to quickly develop proof-of-concept and first pass
software.” April 23, 2008
Gerard Meluso,
Dir Strategic Development, LSI Corp
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a creative entrepreneur who is able
build a cohesive team and carry out a vision.” April
29, 2008
Anne Whiting,
Learning & Organization Development Consultant, LSI Logic, Inc
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“I've had the pleasure of frequently working
with Jim at LSI. In every instance, I've admired his creativity and persistence
at designing product solutions that greatly enhanced the competitiveness of
LSI's storage product portfolio.” April 24, 2008
Sharon Stluka,
Storage Architect, LSI Logic Corp / Engenio Storage Group
worked directly with Jim at LSI Logic Storage Systems / Engenio
“I would like to recommend
Jim Bergsten for any position requiring Technical leadership in the computer
software field. This person’s depth of knowledge that goes way beyond that of a
software engineer. In the past decade it has been my
good fortune to work with Jim at more than one company. His leadership in the
areas of computer software made my job easier. He was always available for
consult whenever needed. And given his well rounded
knowledge of computer systems it is like working alongside of a computer
library.” April 30, 2008
Bill Nadzam,
Principal Engineer, Manager of Firmware Development, LSI Logic Storage products
reported to Jim at LSI Logic Storage Systems / Engenio
“As founder, Jim did the initial fundraising
and product development. As president, Jim was the chief developer and hired
and managed the development team. Jim has a rare combination of both business
and computer sense. He would be a valuable asset to
any venture.” April 24, 2008
Wilton Byrum,
Software Developer, ARK Research
reported to Jim at Ark Research
“Jim is a very smart person
with an extremely deep grasp of technology. His skills are unsurpassed in
technical development and solutions analysis. His product and design skills
have resulted in products that have no competition. On a personal level, I find
him pleasant to work with and easy to talk to about technology.” April
23, 2008
Bob Lai,
Product Marketing, LSI Corporation
worked with Jim at Ark Research
“Jim Bergsten was a
Director of Engineering responsible for the development of Software and
Firmware on the IBM 370 CPU. We worked closely together as our teams interfaced
while debugging system level issues. Jim is a very technical leader, as capable
as anyone I have ever met in terms of architectural and design level
capabilities. His ability to work well with other team members helped to
contribute to a successful design and implementation of the products developed.
Jim was also very successful at interfacing at the senior management level and
with our base of venture capitalists. I would certainly work with Jim Bergsten
again in the future, given his ability to identify successful products needed
by the industry and to lead a highly skilled team.” April
23, 2008
John Simmons,
Firmware Engineering Manager, Andor Systems
worked indirectly for Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim has a keen entrepreneurial vision and has
always given me helpful and thoughtful answers on a variety of topics.” May
13, 2008
Lee Warner,
Member of Technical Staff, Andor Systems
was with another company when working with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc.
(California)
“Jim is both a creative programmer and a highly
analytical thinker. At Kolinar he managed the technical and management ends of
the business with equal aplomb -- and success. As an advocate for the users, I
typically came to Jim with one of two things; a request for enhancement or a
bug. With bugs, his intense pride of ownership in the software catalyzed him to
fix problems faster than I've ever experienced with a software company before
or since. As for suggestions, his metric, which I have used many times over the
years, was "If I add this feature, will we sell more copies?" Faced
with a problem or decision, Jim has the ability to
absorb a huge amount of information and then rapidly synthesize and take action
appropriately. Beyond his intellect, he is a funny guy which made for a
comfortable work environment.” May
26, 2008
James Weissman,
Director of Marketing, Kolinar Corporation
reported to Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is one of the
few managers with a full perspective of the likely issues his team will
encounter during software development projects. His knack for being there with
guidance at the most appropriate time is uncanny, to say the least. He is also
a detail oriented engineer who never overplays his role as a project leader;
consequently, his team mates willingly do their best to reach project goals.
Jim is an extremely well rounded senior executive and especially adept in
"start-up" ventures.” May
16, 2008
Chuck Brown,
Owner, CHBI
worked directly with Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“There are no stereotypes to describe Jim, a totally
unique individual, for whom I would work for again. Jim is a first-principles
thinker who is able to focus his startling intellect
on any complex issue and reduce it to shreds. He is unfailingly humble and
sincere for a person with so much deep insight into the world. He has an
incredible attention to detail which results in everything he does being of an
exceptionally high quality. He passed this ethic on to me in both word and deed
and made me realize what it takes to produce a software product - versus a
hack. Once he has thoroughly digested categorized and stored all detailed
knowledge on a subject he puts a plan into action which is seen through to the
end. Jim has tremendous insight into many diverse and interesting subjects. I
have learned more about UK culture from Jim than growing up there. Some of my
fondest memories are when I heard him play a note-perfect rendition of Genesis'
Duke and when he took me along on a lunchtime excursion to buy a Fairlight.” April 29, 2008
Adrian Blakey,
Director of Applications Development, Kolinar Corporation
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“I first met Jim Bergsten when VM Systems Group and
Kolinar merged into one company. I was tasked with packing and moving the
Kolinar assets from California to Virginia in just three weeks. As President
and CEO of Kolinar, Jim was my main point of contact. He was intelligent,
thoughtful, approachable, and very easy to work with during this daunting task.
He was perceptive and supportive, knowing when to step in to help and when to
step back and let me do my job. After merging the two companies, Jim brought
his knowledge and expertise to the Board of Directors’ planning table and
played a vital role in helping the company to expand sensibly and profitably.
Not only were his technical skills stellar, but he thoughtfully reached out to
peers and subordinates alike, allowing them input into the direction that
Software Development should take, thereby enabling them to feel invested as
stakeholders. This team-minded approach helped his Research and Development
group identify and prioritize a variety of development projects, to help build
a compelling roadmap, guiding the company to the next level and increased
profitability. The quality and professionalism of his efforts coupled with his
integrity were quite impressive. As I was just beginning my career in the
software development field, Jim encouraged me (and others) to pursue more
challenging, complex projects that helped us become better and more productive
employees. If we weren’t living on opposite coasts, I would definitely find a
way to work with Jim again.” April
24, 2008
Cheryl McNutt,
Office Manager/Facilities Manager, VM Systems Group/Kolinar
worked with Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“Jim brought to VMSG a line of products that
significantly improved the company's financial position as well as its
recognition within the industry. He integrated well and brought with him and
his colleagues professionalism, compassion, dedication, and humor. I have the
highest respect for his intellect and propriety.” April 23, 2008
Tom Kumpf,
Product Developer/Manager Product Development, VM Systems Group
worked indirectly for Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“As founder of Kolinar, Jim provided overall direction of
the company while giving me full responsibility for sales and marketing. He
made sure our software was technically excellent and got out the door on time
and on budget. He is a creative, but disciplined thinker and manager.” April 23, 2008
Paul Davis,
Director of Sales, SimpleSoft
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“Jim is the single best manager I have had in over three
decades as a software engineer. He successfully herded some of the wildest cats
ever gathered in a small company. In addition, he is one of the best code
writers I ever met. I highly recommend him as a senior manager for any company
who needs a smart, experienced leader.” April 22, 2008
Jim McMaster,
Developer, VM Systems Group
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“I have worked with and bought multiple products from
Jim. His breadth of knowledge on just about everything you can think of is
thoroughly amazing. Basically, he gets it, and his track record of
entrepreneurial success proves this out. His strengths are so numerous that
they are difficult to list. A practical visionary with superior coding skills
and the ability to close on projects that produce deliverables, a brilliant
theoretician with the ability to solve difficult problems in seemingly
non-complex ways, most importantly a nice guy who never seems to get angry
regardless of how difficult the situation might be.” April 22, 2008
Mitch Sako,
Engineering, STC Computer Research
worked directly with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“In addition to his
technical leadership, Jim is a distinguished business leader and innovator. His
insights and opinions were frequently sought by senior management at Amdahl
Corp as well as by many important commercial and government customers
worldwide.” April 26, 2008
Tim Parker,
Sr Manager, Strategic Development, Lockheed Martin
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim provided me with many
software advantages that I would not have had if it were not for him. He
created great software products that we used at Amdahl as well as leading the
IT group. Out of all those of whom I have worked with, if given a choice, I
would work with Jim again.” April 25, 2008
Guy Waters,
Sr Engineer, Amdahl Corp
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim and I worked together
in Amdahl's VM Support Team. Our responsibilities included consulting with
customers over the phone or on-site. During this time
I found Jim to be a highly talented and dependable engineer. He would be an
asset to any organization that hires him.” April
23, 2008
Greg Payne,
HQ Software Engineer, Amdahl
worked directly with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim and I were colleagues,
both very interested in VM/SP - precursor to zVM. Jim Bergsten was one of the
two most productive programmers I have known in my career. He would write 150K
to 200K LOC of nearly perfect code a year.” April
23, 2008
John Alvord,
Senior Software Engineer, Amdahl Corporation
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim was a tremendous
resource to Amdahl, a gifted individual, a pleasure to work and a professional
with impeccable integrity. There would be no project that if he were intent to
peruse – that he would not succeed.” April 23, 2008
Dan Burleson,
Software Engineer, Amdahl
worked with Jim at Amdahl
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
EE,
1972 – 1976
“Jim is an innovative
leader who is capable of managing and completing technical projects. His
creative approach to problem solving is unique in the industry. He is a great
and loyal friend and colleague.” April 23, 2008
Robert
Hopkins, Director, Computer Center, The Cooper
Union
was with another company when working with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc.
(California)